BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED HEATER

Abstract

A battery pack assembly for providing electric power to a load includes a battery pack, preferably made up of a plurality of lithium ion cells. A heating device formed of a flexible material flexes and covers at least part of the battery pack. The heating device includes a meandering heating strip. A thermal sensor is surrounded by the heating strip to sense the temperature of the battery pack. Electric current is applied to the heating strip to heat the battery pack when its temperature falls too low, thus improving performance of the battery pack. The heating device also includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for direct connection to the cells. Thus, electric current for the heating strip is provided directly from the cells of the battery pack.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/047,644, filed Mar. 13, 2008, Atty. Docket No. ENERD-P07-003-02-US, titled “BATTERY PACK ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED HEATER”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/906,933, filed Mar. 14, 2007, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates generally to a battery pack assembly with an integrated heater.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Battery packs that contain lithium ion batteries are increasingly popular with automotive applications and various commercial electronic devices because they are rechargeable and have no memory effect. Storing and operating a lithium ion battery at an optimal operating temperature is very important to allow the battery to maintain a charge for an extended period of time. Due to the characteristics of lithium ion batteries, the battery pack operates within an ambient temperature range of −20° C. to 60° C. However, even when operating within this temperature range, the battery pack may begin to lose its capacity or ability to change or discharge should the ambient temperature fall below 0° C. Depending on the ambient temperature, the life cycle capacity or charge/discharge capability of the battery may be greatly reduced as the temperature strays below 0° C. Nonetheless, it may be unavoidable that a lithium ion battery be used where the ambient temperature falls outside an optimum temperature range of 0 to 60° C.

But even to the extent of being effective in certain respects, there remains an opportunity to improve upon the lithium ion batteries of the prior art to increase the ambient temperature range at which the lithium battery operates. Also, there remains an opportunity to maintain the battery pack at the optimal operating temperature to ensure the longest possible life cycle, rated capacity, and nominal charge and discharge rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention provides a battery pack assembly. The assembly includes a battery pack having at least one cell. A heating device includes a first layer and a second layer of flexible non-conductive material defining a plurality of peripheral sides. The heating device is positioned to overlap at least a portion of the battery pack. A plurality of conductive traces formed of a conductive material is sandwiched between the layers of the heating device. The conductive traces include a heating strip for heating the battery pack. The conductive traces also include at least one connection pad for conducting electric current. The assembly also includes at least one connection tab electrically connected to the at least one connection pad and extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for electrical connection of the connection pad to the at least one cell of the battery pack.

The assembly of the subject invention may also include a thermal sensor for sensing temperature. The thermal sensor may be generally surrounded by the heating strip.

The assembly of the subject invention provides excellent battery pack performance by allowing heating of the battery pack by the heating device. Furthermore, the supply of electric current to the heating device is acquired directly from the battery pack itself, thereby negating the need for an auxiliary current source. Also, the connection pads and tabs allow direct connection of the flexible heating device to the battery. This direct connection permits acquisition of electric current from the heater without additional wiring, thus saving implementation costs as well as overall reliability of the assembly. Last, by implementing the thermal sensor within the heating strip, the need for an additional external sensor is negated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack assembly of the subject invention showing a heating device wrapped around a plurality of cells;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first layer of the heating device showing a plurality of conductive traces;

FIG. 3 is a tope view of a second layer of the heating device; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the heating device with the layers assembled together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a battery pack assembly is shown at 10.

Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly 10 of the illustrated embodiment may be utilized to power an electrical load (not shown). Connection of the electrical load to the assembly 10 is via a cable 11. However, those skilled in the art realize alternative utilizations of the assembly 10.

The battery pack assembly 10 includes a plurality of cells 12 disposed adjacent one another and electrically interconnected to form a battery pack 14. In the illustrated embodiments, each cell 12 is a cylindrically shaped, lithium ion cell 12 having an anode (not labeled) and a cathode (not labeled) as is well known to those skilled in the art. The battery pack 14 includes six cells 12 are arranged in three pairs. Each pair of cells 12 are electrically connected in parallel and the three pairs of cells 12 are connected in series. Furthermore, jumper plates 15 electrically connect the various anodes and cathodes of the cells 12 to achieve the above-mentioned arrangement. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, two battery packs 14 are shown. However, those skilled in the art realize alternative numbers, types, shapes, and configuration of the cells 12 other than the configuration shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The battery packs 14 of the illustrated embodiment are supported in a housing 16. The housing 16 is preferably formed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, and is formed in two disconnectable parts (not separately numbered) to allow access to the battery packs 14 and other devices supported by the housing 16.

The assembly 10 also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 18 for supporting and electrically connecting a plurality of electronic devices (not numbered). These electronic devices may include, but is not limited to, microprocessors, microchips, logic circuits, resistors, and capacitors. The PCB 18 is also supported by the housing 16 and is disposed adjacent to the battery packs 14.

The assembly 10 further includes at least one heating device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 10 includes a pair of heating devices, one for each battery pack 14. However, those skilled in the art realize that any number of heating devices 20 may be implemented depending on the particular application. Each heating device 20 is preferably positioned to overlap at least a portion of each battery pack 14. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the heating devices 20 of the illustrated embodiments wrap completely around the non-conductive portions of the battery pack 14.

The heating device includes a first layer 22, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second layer 24, as shown in FIG. 3. The layers 22, 24 are each formed of a flexible, non-conductive material. The layers are preferably formed of a polymeric material, such as, but not limited to a polymid or a polyester. However, those skilled in the art realize other materials that may be utilized to provide the flexible layers 22, 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, each layer 22, 24 of the heating devices 20 define a plurality of peripheral sides 26. The peripheral sides 26 of each layer form a generally rectangular shape. Preferably, the layers 22, 24 have generally identical dimensions. Therefore, when applied together, the heating device 20 also forms a generally rectangular shape.

The heating device 20 including a plurality of conductive traces 28 of conductive material sandwiched between the layers 22, 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive traces 28 are disposed on the first layer 22. The conductive traces 28 are formed of a conductive material, such as a metal. For example, the metal may be silver, gold, copper, or aluminum. Of course, those skilled in the art will realize alternative conductive materials.

In the illustrated embodiment, each layer 22, 24 of the heating device 20, and thus the heating device 20 in general, include an electrical interface stub 30. The electrical interface stub 30 extends from one of the peripheral sides 26. In the illustrated embodiment, each conductive trace 28 terminates at the electrical interface stub 30. As such, the electrical interface stub 30 is utilized for electrically connecting the conductive traces 28 to the PCB 18.

The conductive traces 28 including a heating strip 32. The heating strip 32 is a single, continuous strip of conductive material that meanders back and forth between the peripheral sides 26 of the heating device 20. Because of the high length-to-width ratio, the heating strip 32 produces heat in response to application of an electric current.

The conductive traces 28 also include a thermal sensor 34. The thermal sensor 34 senses temperature. The thermal sensor 34 is generally surrounded by the heating strip 32. Therefore, the thermal sensor 34 senses the temperature of the heating strip 32 and/or the cells 12 of the battery pack 14. The thermal sensor 34 is preferably a resistive temperature sensor, i.e., the thermal sensor 34 has a resistance that varies based on temperature. However, those skilled in the art realize alternative techniques for sensing temperature, such as, but not limited to, implementing the thermal sensor 34 as a thermocouple.

The thermal sensor 34 is preferably spaced from the peripheral sides 26 of the heating device 20 such that the thermal sensor 34 is located generally at a center of the battery pack 14 when the heating device 20 is wrapped around the battery pack 14. This placement allows the thermal sensor 34 to obtain the most accurate temperature of the battery pack 14.

The conductive traces 28 further include at least one connection pad 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive traces 28 form four connection pads 36. The connection pads 36 allow electrical connection of the heating device to at least one external power sources.

The heating device 20 also includes at least one connection tab 38 formed of a conductive material. Preferably, the conductive material of the connection tab 38 is nickel; however, other conductive material may alternative be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, four connection tabs 38 are implemented. Each connection tab 38 is electrically connected to one of the connection pads 36 and extends beyond the peripheral sides 26 of the heating device 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connection tabs 38 allow for electrical connection of the connection pads 36 to the battery pack 14. Therefore, the cells 12 of the battery pack 14 are electrically connected to the PCB 18. Preferably, the connection tabs 38 are bent at a 90° angle to achieve connection to the cells 12. The connection tabs 38 may contact either the jumper plates 15 or directly to the anodes and cathodes of the cells 12.

With the connection of the connection tabs 38 to the cells, the electrical components supported by the PCB 18 may thereby apply electrical power from the battery pack 14 to the heating strip 32. As such, the electrical power received from the battery pack 14 is utilized to heat the battery pack 14. Other devices may also utilize the electrical power of the battery pack 14 delivered via the connection tabs 38. These devices include, but are not limited to, the thermal sensor 34. The connection tabs 38 and pads 36 may also be utilize to measure the voltage of the cells 12 of the battery pack 14 or the battery pack 14 as a whole.

The assembly 10 of the illustrated embodiment is preferably lightweight and portable. Said another way, the assembly 10 can be easily moved from place to place and carried by a typical person.

The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of heating a battery assembly, the method comprising:

electrically interconnecting a first grouping of battery cells in parallel;

electrically interconnecting a second grouping of battery cells in parallel;

electrically interconnecting the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells in series;

positioning the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells between a first non-conductive component and a second non-conductive component, the first non-conductive component and the second non-conductive component being disconnectable to allow access to the battery pack;

positioning a heating device to overlap at least a portion of the first grouping of battery cells and a portion of the second grouping of battery cells; and

electrically interconnecting the heating device with the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells to apply power from the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells to the heating device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating device includes connection pads and the method further comprises the step of electrically interconnecting the connection pads to the battery pack.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the heating device includes a heating strip and the method further comprises the step of electrically interconnecting the heating strip to the battery pack.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the heating strip is electrically interconnected to the battery pack through the connection pads.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

coupling the connection pads to a printed circuit board; and

coupling the heating strip to a printed circuit board, the heating strip being electrically interconnected to the connection pads through the printed circuit board.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating device includes a heating strip and the method further comprises the step of electrically interconnecting the heating strip to the battery pack.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heating strip is electrically interconnected to the battery pack through a printed circuit board.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of positioning the printed circuit board between the first non-conductive component and the second first non-conductive component, the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells being surrounded by the first non-conductive component and the second first non-conductive component and the printed circuit board being surrounded by the first non-conductive component and the second first non-conductive component.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first grouping of battery cells and the second grouping of battery cells are surrounded by the first non-conductive component and the second first non-conductive component.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating device includes a heating strip and the method further comprising the steps of:

electrically interconnecting the battery pack to a first portion of the heating device;

electrically interconnecting the first portion of the heating device to an electronic device through an electrical interface; and

electrically interconnecting the electronic device to a second portion of the heating device, the second portion including the heating strip.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating device includes a heating strip and the method further comprising the steps of:

electrically interconnecting the battery pack to a first portion of the heating device;

electrically interconnecting the first portion of the heating device to an electronic device through an electrical interface; and

electrically interconnecting the electronic device to a second portion of the heating device through the electrical interface, the second portion including the heating strip.

12. A battery assembly, comprising:

a plurality of battery cells disposed adjacent one another and electrically interconnected to form a battery pack; a first grouping of cells of the plurality of battery cells being electrically interconnected in parallel, a second grouping of cells of the plurality of battery cells being electrically interconnected in parallel, the first grouping of cells and the second grouping of cells being electrically interconnected in series;

a heating device positioned to overlap at least a portion of the battery pack; and

a printed circuit board supporting and electrically connecting a plurality of electronic devices, the plurality of battery cells being electrically connected to the printed circuit board and the plurality of electronic devices applying electrical power from the battery pack to the heating device.

13. The battery assembly of claim 12, further comprising a housing that surrounds the plurality of battery cells, the heating device, and the printed circuit board.

14. The battery assembly of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a first non-conductive component and a second non-conductive component, the first non-conductive component and the second non-conductive component being disconnectable to allow access to the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery assembly of claim 14, further comprising a cable extending outside of the housing for connection to an electrical load.

16. The battery assembly of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of jumper tabs electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells.

17. The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein the first grouping of cells includes a first pair of battery cells, the second grouping of cells includes a second pair of battery cells.

18. The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein the heating device includes a heating strip which is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells through a connection to the printed circuit board.

19. The battery assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to the printed circuit board through a first portion of the heating device, a second portion of the heating device being electrically connected to the printed circuit board, the second portion of the heating device including a heating strip.

20. The battery assembly of claim 19, wherein the first portion of the heating device and the second portion of the heating device are connected to the printed circuit board through a common electrical interface.